numark ns6 vs Kontrol S4?

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numark ns6 vs Kontrol S4?
Posted on: 15.03.2011 by Ardis Fauth
I love the NS7, especially the build quality, but its not the best for Traktor. Then I saw the NS6 and I immediately got hyped. The S4 is pretty awesome too, and perfect for traktor, but each has their own advantages and disadvantages, so Im not sure which to buy... I would have to get pretty creative with the NS6 for midi mapping, but I dont believe that would be a problem. Your thoughts guys?
King Mascarinas
17.11.2011
Originally Posted by Frank112916
This is not true. The jog wheels on the S4 are really poor in comparison to the jogs on the NS6. Honestly the NS6 wheels felt more responsive in itch and were much more "weighty." Plus they has real touch sensitivity, which the S4 lacks.
Well, you can change the sensitivity on the assignment as well as add different assignments for clicking the top of the wheel. It is not high on my list to have the greatest jog wheels though, these ones are plenty accurate to me (I did not buy this for jog wheels).

I just don't like the top section of the ns6 as much ad the s4. I did steal the idea of a dry when fader though (on my s4 tempo faders with tempo being shift and tempo)
Dino Hapgood
17.11.2011
Originally Posted by Taxable fern
If you don't like the s4 it is because you havn't done your own mapping. Start with the base user mapping, then add and delete functions as you see fit. My s4 is nothing like the original now, and is much much more useful. Give it a try, the layout is good physically, but there default mapping blows.
This is not true. The jog wheels on the S4 are really poor in comparison to the jogs on the NS6. Honestly the NS6 wheels felt more responsive in itch and were much more "weighty." Plus they has real touch sensitivity, which the S4 lacks.
King Mascarinas
16.11.2011
Originally Posted by allenpa5
Check out the NS6 asap. I just bought the S4 and am super disappointed with it. The construction and functionality are NOT what I was expecting... Overall, I'm sure it's a decent controller, but there are so many little things I dislike about it that add up realllllllly quickly. Definitely ditching it as soon as I can for something better.
If you don't like the s4 it is because you havn't done your own mapping. Start with the base user mapping, then add and delete functions as you see fit. My s4 is nothing like the original now, and is much much more useful. Give it a try, the layout is good physically, but there default mapping blows.
Nila Bartosch
15.11.2011
Originally Posted by Frank112916
Uh...you do know that you get a free upgrade to tpro2 right?

I get the feeling you don't really know how to use the controller or software properly either. Not to offend, but some of the problems you are having are very, very, very basic.

a) There is no cue point lag, you probably have Quantize on which will delay a cuepoint press to make sure it hits on the downbeat, which can be turned off with the press of a button on the S4... I've never had a problem with pushing cue point buttons in rapid succession if I need to. I also advise turning SYNC off if you want to do crazy cue point jumps.

b) You have snap turned on, which can be turned off with a press of a button on the S4 (this is also what led me to believe you have quantize on)...In fact the snap and quantize buttons are essentially right next to each other.

c) The feel, sure, I'll give you that one, but I'm not one to lug around 20+lbs of gear on top of my laptop, stand, and other gear, but to each his own. If you hate the platters, buy some CDJ's and get the upgrade to traktor scratch pro 2 for 140 USD. I'm about to purchase turntables and get TSP2.

d) For the filter situation, get an LPD8 for like...40 bucks shipped... and map it to your liking. I'm not sure where you would even find a controller with a dedicated filter on/off button unless you purchased a real mixer which is at least just as much as the S4 by itself and doesn't come with software.

I agree with this. After spending more time on Traktor (and using controllers in general), I've found many simple fixes to those original problems I was having. Even with those fixes, though, I still can't stand the size of the platters and the fact that they're push-button style, or the overall build quality of the controller. I am in no way bashing anyone else for using/liking this controller, but it's just not for me I guess. Since my original post I've used quite a few others and really, really like the Denon MC6000. Great build quality, many features and functions, good action on the buttons, and plenty of control for filters/fx.

One more thing: thanks to the quoted poster for calmly and respectfully pointing out my inexperience with the S4 instead of blindly bashing my n00bness. Instead of just pissing someone off, you actually helped them understand the issues they were having.
Yee Bedilion
06.06.2011
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
This may just be because I've never used anything like an S4 but I still find those jog wheels totally boggling. They are teeny!
teeny tiny

I started off messing around with the stanton 3d for a jog. I also have never touched a vinyl before so. Comming from very different directions.
Kiyoko Wellisch
06.06.2011
Originally Posted by Ryan Leo
I really like the jog wheels on the S4. They feel pretty cool for beatmatching.
This may just be because I've never used anything like an S4 but I still find those jog wheels totally boggling. They are teeny!
Sallie Bromenschenkel
06.06.2011
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
Nice little post there dude. So you find the beat + tempo detection of itch to be superior?
MrPopinjay - in a live situation on the road ive only had to mess with the pitch within ITCH a few times...(i can mix with faders without believeing but sync gives you that edge)

S4/TP2 - the syncing works well but you have to ensure each track is beat gridded correctly. When you have over 10,000 tracks where you might take a little sample/loop from any one to find the beat grid is incorrect throws you when performing. However this can be overcome by doing you background preps at home - but time is precious these days.. Ive noticed that if im playing EDM then i neva have to play with the GRIDS they are always 100% perfect...but i know many S4 djs (haze1234) and others play hip hop etc on KS4 without issues.
Brady Mulle
05.06.2011
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
I wish they would make a version 2 without the silly layout and better build quality. preferably with another set of encoders.
+ 1 for that
Michiko Schwin
04.06.2011
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
Sounds like overkill in my opinion. I'm sure there are plenty of other controllers that would be more suited to purely FX control that give you a good amount of punch for your money.
Novation nocturn.. 8 (or 9?) knobs, and the same amount of buttons..
Margarite Hoogewind
18.12.2011		old thread but I'm currently looking at both of these. It's going to be my first real foray into DJing so I don't have a preference for either software yet, though I'll only be playing EDM and have heard Traktor can be better for this. I definitely like the build quality on the NS6, its capabilities as a standalone mixer and XLR and booth outs but the S4 definitely seems to be able to do a lot more with effects though the jog wheels do look a little high up. Price also comes into it, here in Australia the S4 goes for about a grand but for some reason the NS6 is about $1400, can get on amazon delivered for 900 from the US but unless Numark does global warranties the warranty situation would be fucked. I'm going to go in store to get a feel for both ASAP. The other thing in the back of my mind is NI bringing out an updated model in the near future, any rumors out there?..any advice and info on the experiences with the S4 and the NS6 in the months since this thread was last really active would be appreciated..
King Mascarinas
17.11.2011
Originally Posted by Frank112916
This is not true. The jog wheels on the S4 are really poor in comparison to the jogs on the NS6. Honestly the NS6 wheels felt more responsive in itch and were much more "weighty." Plus they has real touch sensitivity, which the S4 lacks.
Well, you can change the sensitivity on the assignment as well as add different assignments for clicking the top of the wheel. It is not high on my list to have the greatest jog wheels though, these ones are plenty accurate to me (I did not buy this for jog wheels).

I just don't like the top section of the ns6 as much ad the s4. I did steal the idea of a dry when fader though (on my s4 tempo faders with tempo being shift and tempo)
Dino Hapgood
17.11.2011
Originally Posted by Taxable fern
If you don't like the s4 it is because you havn't done your own mapping. Start with the base user mapping, then add and delete functions as you see fit. My s4 is nothing like the original now, and is much much more useful. Give it a try, the layout is good physically, but there default mapping blows.
This is not true. The jog wheels on the S4 are really poor in comparison to the jogs on the NS6. Honestly the NS6 wheels felt more responsive in itch and were much more "weighty." Plus they has real touch sensitivity, which the S4 lacks.
King Mascarinas
16.11.2011
Originally Posted by allenpa5
Check out the NS6 asap. I just bought the S4 and am super disappointed with it. The construction and functionality are NOT what I was expecting... Overall, I'm sure it's a decent controller, but there are so many little things I dislike about it that add up realllllllly quickly. Definitely ditching it as soon as I can for something better.
If you don't like the s4 it is because you havn't done your own mapping. Start with the base user mapping, then add and delete functions as you see fit. My s4 is nothing like the original now, and is much much more useful. Give it a try, the layout is good physically, but there default mapping blows.
Nila Bartosch
15.11.2011
Originally Posted by Frank112916
Uh...you do know that you get a free upgrade to tpro2 right?

I get the feeling you don't really know how to use the controller or software properly either. Not to offend, but some of the problems you are having are very, very, very basic.

a) There is no cue point lag, you probably have Quantize on which will delay a cuepoint press to make sure it hits on the downbeat, which can be turned off with the press of a button on the S4... I've never had a problem with pushing cue point buttons in rapid succession if I need to. I also advise turning SYNC off if you want to do crazy cue point jumps.

b) You have snap turned on, which can be turned off with a press of a button on the S4 (this is also what led me to believe you have quantize on)...In fact the snap and quantize buttons are essentially right next to each other.

c) The feel, sure, I'll give you that one, but I'm not one to lug around 20+lbs of gear on top of my laptop, stand, and other gear, but to each his own. If you hate the platters, buy some CDJ's and get the upgrade to traktor scratch pro 2 for 140 USD. I'm about to purchase turntables and get TSP2.

d) For the filter situation, get an LPD8 for like...40 bucks shipped... and map it to your liking. I'm not sure where you would even find a controller with a dedicated filter on/off button unless you purchased a real mixer which is at least just as much as the S4 by itself and doesn't come with software.

I agree with this. After spending more time on Traktor (and using controllers in general), I've found many simple fixes to those original problems I was having. Even with those fixes, though, I still can't stand the size of the platters and the fact that they're push-button style, or the overall build quality of the controller. I am in no way bashing anyone else for using/liking this controller, but it's just not for me I guess. Since my original post I've used quite a few others and really, really like the Denon MC6000. Great build quality, many features and functions, good action on the buttons, and plenty of control for filters/fx.

One more thing: thanks to the quoted poster for calmly and respectfully pointing out my inexperience with the S4 instead of blindly bashing my n00bness. Instead of just pissing someone off, you actually helped them understand the issues they were having.
Julissa Serrone
06.06.2011		Skratchworx review:

http://skratchworx.com/reviews/ns6.php
Julissa Serrone
06.06.2011		I have an S4 and also an NS7. I went to see the NS6 hoping I could use it instead of two different controllers and didn't get it. For Traktor and EDM/House music the S4 is king. For Itch, turntable feel and playing hip hop - the NS7 is king.

The value in the NS6 is that it's more portable than the heavy ass NS7. What I didn't like - the S4 knobs, faders, feel much better and TP2 is more feature packed for playing EDM type music. Has a dedicated filter knob and the knobs are a little more spaced out. The NS6 has all back lit buttons and the lights on the jogs were pretty sweet.

The NS7 feels more like "real gear" than the NS6. The "build" quality is the same as in, it's metal and sturdy, but the faders, crossfader, knobs, etc. don't feel the same. The buttons do feel better. Much sturdier.

For me, playing hip hop or open format is much more intuitive on an NS7. Two decks, two channel battle mixer and some nice stacked waveforms make it a very streamlined and to the point user experience. With the S4 I get the "im just pushing buttons" feeling and that's not too enjoyable when playing hip hop, reggae, etc.

So my pics of controllers at the moment are NS7 #1 (its just fun), S4 # 2, and I would put the NS6 and the DDJ-S1 tied for 3. I would get the NS6 if I was really into Itch and needed a more portable solution. I hate carrying the NS7.
Yee Bedilion
06.06.2011
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
This may just be because I've never used anything like an S4 but I still find those jog wheels totally boggling. They are teeny!
teeny tiny

I started off messing around with the stanton 3d for a jog. I also have never touched a vinyl before so. Comming from very different directions.
Kiyoko Wellisch
06.06.2011
Originally Posted by Ryan Leo
I really like the jog wheels on the S4. They feel pretty cool for beatmatching.
This may just be because I've never used anything like an S4 but I still find those jog wheels totally boggling. They are teeny!
Yee Bedilion
06.06.2011		I really like the jog wheels on the S4. They feel pretty cool for beatmatching.

I can't wait for them to unlock the user mapping so I can adjust the sensitivity of the jogs. I believe if you played around with it long enough you could have the jog be capable of performing tears.

The buttons on the S4 take some getting used but if you take a little bit of time to soften up your touch I believe you'll like them better.

The thru option for an ipod is great. you could get a splitter on channel D to hook up your ipod and turntables so if you wanna give the computer a cool down just flick the switch on the back with the gain up loud enough and adjust the master volume out on the S4 and you can have a sick emergency plan. I believe this feature is equally as useful as being able to act as a stand along mixer.

I assume theres just as much chance of the ac transformer on the s4 going as anything else thats plugged into the wall.




EDIT: Some further research into the numark ns6 has led me to some very nice advertising.

The ns6 does make serato look very very good. I must say.
Sallie Bromenschenkel
06.06.2011
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
Nice little post there dude. So you find the beat + tempo detection of itch to be superior?
MrPopinjay - in a live situation on the road ive only had to mess with the pitch within ITCH a few times...(i can mix with faders without believeing but sync gives you that edge)

S4/TP2 - the syncing works well but you have to ensure each track is beat gridded correctly. When you have over 10,000 tracks where you might take a little sample/loop from any one to find the beat grid is incorrect throws you when performing. However this can be overcome by doing you background preps at home - but time is precious these days.. Ive noticed that if im playing EDM then i neva have to play with the GRIDS they are always 100% perfect...but i know many S4 djs (haze1234) and others play hip hop etc on KS4 without issues.
Kiyoko Wellisch
06.06.2011		Nice little post there dude. So you find the beat + tempo detection of itch to be superior?
Sallie Bromenschenkel
06.06.2011		HI all,

Dont really post often but have been an avid reader and dj for a long time, I also own an s4 and ns7 and will be collecting my ns6 wednesday. I remember when i first got my hands on the NS7...it was just a totally amazing experience and still is. Itch is very user friendly, and as long as your pc/laptop specs/setup is good your all good to go. The S4 is again an incredible device but find using traktor 2's beat gridding a pain.

I play out every weekend and have been for the past 10 years....large asian bhangra events (weddings,birthdays clubs etc..) so there is no room for glitches or sound cuts as it doesnt go down well. I like to mix on the fly using tunes ive not really experimented with...I have an extremely large library and so FAR in ITCH i have never had to create a manual loop or had issues with syncing etc...Now on the S4 i find that once in a while a tracks bpm will be incorrect and in the buzz of the show i cannot start fiddling with the mouse/keypad to align the grid correctly. If i spend some time at home and prepare all my tracks ready for my gig on TP2 all is well...but just dont have the time to do all my tracks....anyway just a little niggle. However the S4 i find i take out to shows where i know i will be doing a lot of mixing, you just cannot beat the sound/feeling of 4 deck mixing its bad bwoy.

I remember being at work and hearing about the NS6 release....i felt SICK....firstly i had just purchased the S4 and was having major issues with drivers (all sorted now!) and why it wasnt called and NS8???? as its obviously stacked with more features than ns7 - minus the platters.....no matta what i had to have one as i loved ns7 layout and ease of use in itch.

Ive been believein long and hard about the different controllers out there and it all comes down to one thing:-

PERSONAL PREFERENCE

The S4 and TP2 is highly tooled up solution for providing controllist style performances with GOOD 8/10 scratching but you need to put the time in to learn the software. Once you have mastered the button layout and software you will be surprised at what you can achieve with S4/TP2. However you need to spend some time beat gridding if playing bhangra/DNB/Dub Step/Hip Hop.

Im hoping the NS6 will carry the same ease of use as the NS7 but allowing that extra kick with the extra 2 decks and effects. Ive heard build quailty is same as ns7 and thats top spec unlike the plasticy feel of the S4. Ive been using ns7 since release day and can naviagate my way around the controls blindly and am glad the same layout is followed.

So the S4 vs NS6 battle is well on its way! only time will tell which controller is liked by the masses...at the momment i love my ns7 more than the s4 but get a greater kick from using the S4 due to its many features....hopefully ns6 will fit the gap!

Will try a shot at a full on review of the ns6 this wednesday...

bigshout out to all the ns7/s4/ns6 owners! what exciting times!!!

peace

djstv
Brady Mulle
05.06.2011
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
I wish they would make a version 2 without the silly layout and better build quality. preferably with another set of encoders.
+ 1 for that
Kiyoko Wellisch
04.06.2011		I wish they would make a version 2 without the silly layout and better build quality. preferably with another set of encoders.
Michiko Schwin
04.06.2011
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
Sounds like overkill in my opinion. I'm sure there are plenty of other controllers that would be more suited to purely FX control that give you a good amount of punch for your money.
Novation nocturn.. 8 (or 9?) knobs, and the same amount of buttons..
Kiyoko Wellisch
04.06.2011		Sounds like overkill in my opinion. I'm sure there are plenty of other controllers that would be more suited to purely FX control that give you a good amount of punch for your money.
Nelle Utsey
04.06.2011		i too like the ns6 and it's features but much prefer traktor pro. my biggest gripe on the ns6 is the f/x issue as well. what about the ns6 and two X1's with traktor pro 2??
Kandra Fagler
30.05.2011		Ya dude same here I switched to traktor from serato a few years ago and I Spent a crazy amount of time beatgridding my tracks in traktor to the point that I don't believe I can switch to anything anymore at the risk of losing my grids/cuepoints hahaha
Loralee Erban
29.05.2011		how nice would it of been if they made an ns6 with like traktor effects knobs aswell, really like the look of this unit but as a traktor user i dont fancy changing after a few years of figuring out the product
Rosina Steinkuehler
29.05.2011		Over at Skratchworx they are testing the NS6. It looks really nice.
Kandra Fagler
29.05.2011		hmmm i agree the ns6 looks really nice
i actually had some 'okay' experience with some numark products, i had their old dmx06 mixer which was pretty okay for its price, and i also had the 5000fx mixer which wasnt too bad too, and i used their old axis9 cdj which lasted pretty long (i was surprised!)

i guess the ns6 would be a good alternative if you are into serato itch
Concha Geoffrion
29.05.2011
Originally Posted by Junior P
Does anyone know if the NS6 is a stand-alone mixer?
It would be great to have backup if the computer crashes
Yes it is.
Brady Mulle
29.05.2011		Does anyone know if the NS6 is a stand-alone mixer?
It would be great to have backup if the computer crashes
Julissa Serrone
17.05.2011
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
I reaaaaally like beatmatching. It's fun. The S4 doesn't look like it's made for beat matching
i hear ya on the beatmatching part, but I will say the jogs on the S4 while small fell awesome. Will probably feel better than the metal NS6 ones as far as pitch bending go. The thing about the NS6 when using it with Itch it will be more intuitive for beat matching, I believe Itch has a more user hands on approach where Traktor has more of a button pushing approach. Different styles.

I enjoy both. S4 and an NS7
Percy Keehan
17.05.2011		why dont you keep the NS7 and just buy something cheap for what features you want.

You know you can use more than 1 controller with traktor right?
For instance now I have a pair of turnntables and two pads for cue points and sample decks
Kiyoko Wellisch
18.05.2011		I reaaaaally like beatmatching. It's fun. The S4 doesn't look like it's made for beat matching
Rosina Steinkuehler
17.05.2011		Was travelling and just catching up. I agree 100% with YoshiExcel .. I am happy with my S4 but there is something really appealing about this controller.
Ardis Fauth
28.04.2011		Im glad this discussion is still going on. As for the mapping of the NS6, you just have to be a little creative. Even the S4 needs some creativity mapping wise to fully harness traktor pro 2, so Im not really worried about that. But the main reasons I will get the NS6 over the S4 are...

The Build Quality
The platters (Higher resolution 3600 ticks vs 1000, slightly bigger)
More ins and outs
You can use it as a stand alone analog mixer which is pretty fucking awesome.
Plus more at touch options for the cross fader.

To really get some awesome use out of it I know I will have to put a good amount of time mapping everything out but I believe its worth it.
Julissa Serrone
27.04.2011		^ there's not enough knobs to properly control FX in Traktor. If you get the NS6 it's to use with Itch. I'm a fan of Itch, but it's very different and designed to be that way than Traktor. So for those who really like the look of the controller --- remember that controller is married to software much like the NS7 is. Sure you can try to map it, but it's not the same.

oh and the quality of the NS7 is top notch. This should right inline or better
Lucrecia Diloreto
27.04.2011		I ain't gonna lie, even though im very happy with the S4...something about the NS6 just appeals to me. the overall build looks solid and very nice. All the inputs/output options really outdoes the S4. I guess the only thing the s4 has over ns6 is being made for traktor,and loop recorder/sample decks. Guess if you dont mind mapping midi then ns6 will work, but id just keep it for serato =P

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